Vice President, Government Affairs

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), located in Washington, DC, represents the nation’s nearly one million workers in the plastics industry. They are seeking a Vice President of Government Affairs to lead PLASTICS’ federal, state, and regulatory affairs and programs associated with their advocacy efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the advocacy efforts for a forward-thinking nonprofit organization. PLASTICS provides unlimited paid time off, generous medical benefits, competitive salaries, and a hybrid work environment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Government Affairs is responsible for developing a comprehensive strategy and approach to address the legislative and regulatory issues and concerns of the plastics industry, continually striving to increase the involvement and awareness of PLASTICS and its members. This position is the primary advisor and serves as the staff executive to the Political Action Committee (PAC) and industry councils and is part of the Executive Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of PLASTICS’ government affairs strategy and vision that advances policy issues across the plastic industry.
• Advise the President & CEO and the Board on pertinent political, legislative, and regulatory information.
• Lead PLASTICS’ PAC by establishing and maintaining a political network for fundraising activities relating to political and issue advocacy for plastics.
• Represent the interest of PLASTICS before associations, trade groups, and government agencies.
• Testify before government entities.
• Build, manage, and strengthen overall relations between PLASTICS and the U.S. Congress, executive branch, state legislative bodies, and local governments to effectively advance and influence outcomes of government activities impacting the plastics industry.
• Participate in external programs with counterparts in member companies, coalitions, and other trade associations to ensure a coordinated effort for voicing and acting upon PLASTICS and its member companies’ positions and issues.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Communications to craft messaging and rapid response to media inquiries and government entities.
• Lead and oversee the government affairs department covering federal, state, and regulatory issues, including staff learning and development.
• Manage the budget for the department.
• Manage/hire lobbyists and other consultants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Self-driven with attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and big-picture thinker with the ability to think and lead strategically.
• Ability to serve as a change agent with creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated ability to work well autonomously and collectively to build consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to prioritize and work on various projects simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Executive level of discretion and understanding of C-suite structure and organization.
• True dedication to the constant improvement of the organization’s reputation.
• Demonstrated capacity for managing, motivating, and leading a government affairs team responsible for the advocacy of the plastics industry.
• Commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds.
• Ability to model company culture and ethical standards in a positive work environment where humor, respect, kindness, and humility are valued and exhibited, and hold team members to the same standard.
• Demonstrated commitment to embodying and upholding PLASTICS’ core values of ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of experience in federal and state government affairs.
• Minimum of five years of people management and leadership experience.
• Trade association experience required; plastics industry, manufacturing industry, and media relations experience preferred.
• Expert knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes, the role of lobbying and grassroots mobilization, and federal compliance for political action committees.
• Proven track record of successfully leading the development and implementation of government affairs strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating complicated public policy issues among diverse stakeholders.
• Existing relationships with legislators and regulators and key manufacturing organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building with board members, internal and external stakeholders, coalitions, councils, and committees.
• Demonstrated experience with fundraising.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

How to Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to the following job link (or copy/paste link to a new window):

Apply to Plastics Vice President, Government Affairs

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or contact 202-232-1765.

About the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain. From the technological advancements it enables to the possibilities it creates, the organization is dedicated to helping members shape the future and make a positive impact every day. PLASTICS is the only association that supports the entire plastics supply chain and has a track record of fostering collaboration between each segment of the industry, evolving right alongside the plastics industry as a whole.

Together, employees at PLASTICS shape the direction of the entire plastics industry and, as a job requirement, have some fun while doing so. Employees have the opportunity to learn, develop, and impact both the industry and the association. PLASTICS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

About Cessna & Associates, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.

www.cessnasearch.com

The Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fuels Success

Cessna & Associates embraces and celebrates the strength that diversity brings to our organization. Just as we are deliberate in our own pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, our efforts support our clients’ DEI success. We drive every search with an unyielding focus to create an even playing field for all candidates and assess their ability to be “culture adds,” not merely “fits” for our clients. Our team builds and nurtures this rich tapestry of diversity for ourselves and for our clients.